Drift socks VS trolling motor?

[geckogeek]

Looking at a new boat....18' runabout 135hp 3.0L, mercrusier. The sales people say that a drift sock or two would slow the 3L down enough to troll for walleye and bows. I know someone with the same boat and tried to troll with no socks, just the motor and it worked, but vibrated the entire boat beyond imagination.

Would the socks let the engine run at a higher RPM and not vibrate? Wouldn't the 3.0l carbon up and use a lot of fuel idling compared to a 5hp? Just looking for opinions or someone who has experience using drift socks.

Thank you

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

That I4 is a shaker at idle for sure. Tough little motor though. With the cost of gas, I do not think it would take long to burn through enough gas to have paid for a small used kicker. Add in the reduced hours on the I/O and the security of a second motor and the choice for me would be clear. Just my 2 cents.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

agree, and sock gets in the way. good way to get tangled and lose that prize.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

I would go with a trolling motor personally.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

You guys may not be aware of our ProTroller Series Trim Tabs & Trolling brakes. Take a look! They are now standard equipment on Warrior walleye boats. Sold here on iboats also! The Tabs can be dropped to vertical creating brakes on both sides of the boat. Besides slowing the boat by about 35%, they allow the boat to track streight and not wander.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

I still prefer a kicker for long term trolling. Your tabs are wonderful tools in the bang-for-the-buck performance catagory, but IF you can afford a small kicker, the benefits outweigh any type of brake in my limited opinion.

 

[DJ]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

Drifts socks work but they hinder manueverability and do present an obstacle in landing fish.

Trolling motors offer economy, safety and manueverability. However, most would require a seperate fuel system and a bracket, of some sort. Not to mention initial cost and weight.

The tabs and trolling brakes are the best of both.

The I-4 smooths out considerably, just off idle.

Before you make a decision, try the engine out first and find out what you would be comfortable with.

 

[JB]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

My first thought is the same as Tashasdaddy. Socks get in the way and hinder maneuvering. Go with a kicker, maybe even a 4 stroke kicker to avoid the second fuel system.

But John makes a good point about the trolling tabs.

My final thought is not socks. Try it out. If it shakes too much the trolling brakes make more sense than socks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

imho a sock/sea anchor is for emergencies, in rough weather. when the power plant shuts down. i have enough trouble getting that big one in the boat without something in the way.

 

[tommays]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

If it shakes at 700 RPM it is broken having owned one a long time (1995)

It really does have a problem as they idle very smooth after there warned up

 

[rndn]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

I troll all the time using my bow mounted electric motor. It is a 12 volt model and I have two deep cells for it. I have yet to run the two batteries out of juice on any single fishing trip. I keep the bow motor pointed straight and use the steering wheel for the big motor for steering. My troller also has the electric power steering so I can keep the foot control anywhere on the boat so if I need to make a sharp turn I can always use that. No extra gas to keep on board and I wanted an electric motor anyway. The only down side is it doesn't serve as a good backup if the main motor goes out, but that should not be a problem as I have an Evinrude!!!

 

[geckogeek]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

Thanks guys, Looks like a kicker would be the way to go if the money is there. The motor shook because they turned the idling down to troll slow enough....a sock or tabs may have prevented them from having to turn the idle down I'm guessing.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Drift socks VS trolling motor?

correct.